Pokemon Games Released in Order: Why the Timeline is Getting Weirdly Complicated

Honestly, if you try to map out every single pokemon games released in order list without a guide, you’re going to give yourself a massive headache. It used to be simple. You had a Red version, a Blue version, and maybe a Yellow one if you really liked Pikachu following you around. But now? We’ve got remakes of remakes, "Legends" titles that act as prequels but release after sequels, and a brand new life-sim called Pokopia hitting the Switch 2 in early 2026.

It is a lot.

The franchise has officially crossed the 480 million units sold mark as of 2025, which is just an absurd number. But for most of us, it’s not about the sales figures. It’s about that specific feeling of picking a starter and heading into the tall grass. If you’re looking to catch up or just want to see how far we've come from the 8-bit sprites of the 90s, here is the actual, factual progression of the mainline series.

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The Early Days: Handheld Pioneers (1996–2002)

Everything started in Japan back in 1996 with Red and Green. We didn't get them in the West until 1998, and by then they’d been polished into the Red and Blue versions most of us grew up with. These games were basically the Wild West of programming—glitches like MissingNo were everywhere, and the balancing was... well, psychic types were essentially gods.

• Generation 1 (Game Boy): Red, Blue, and Yellow (1996–1998).
• Generation 2 (Game Boy Color): Gold, Silver, and Crystal (1999–2000).

Crystal was a massive deal because it was the first time we saw Pokémon move. Just a little two-frame wiggle, but it felt like the future. It also gave us the choice to play as a female character (Kris), which was a long-overdue addition.

The GBA and DS Era: Polishing the Formula (2002–2012)

By the time the Game Boy Advance arrived, Game Freak realized people actually wanted to play their old favorites on new hardware. This is where the "remake" trend started with FireRed and LeafGreen.

Then came the Nintendo DS. This era is often called the "Golden Age" by fans who prioritize the competitive scene. Pokémon Platinum and the Gen 2 remakes (HeartGold and SoulSilver) are still widely considered some of the best pokemon games released in order because of how much content they packed into a tiny cartridge.

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1. Ruby and Sapphire (2002)
2. FireRed and LeafGreen (2004) - The first remakes.
3. Emerald (2004) - Still the gold standard for "third versions."
4. Diamond and Pearl (2006)
5. Platinum (2008)
6. HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009)
7. Black and White (2010) - A bold reboot that only featured new Pokémon until the post-game.
8. Black 2 and White 2 (2012) - The series' first and only true direct sequels.

The Jump to 3D and the Switch Revolution (2013–2022)

The 3DS era was... divisive. Pokémon X and Y brought us into full 3D, but many felt the games became too easy. Then the Switch happened. Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee! (2018) acted as a bridge for people who only played Pokémon GO, but Sword and Shield (2019) were the real heavy hitters that brought the series back to home consoles.

It wasn't all smooth sailing. The "Dexit" controversy (where not all Pokémon were included in the code) changed how fans viewed the series. But then came 2022. That year gave us Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which threw the old "eight gyms" formula out the window and replaced it with an open-ended survival vibe in the Hisui region.

The Recent Timeline

• Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! (2018)
• Sword and Shield (2019)
• Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021)
• Legends: Arceus (2022)
• Scarlet and Violet (2022)

The Modern Era: DLCs and the 30th Anniversary (2023–2026)

We are currently in a very weird spot. Scarlet and Violet were technical messes at launch, but they also had the best story the series has seen in years. The "Hidden Treasure of Area Zero" DLCs (The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk) wrapped up in late 2023 and early 2024, essentially finishing off Generation 9.

As we head into 2026, the 30th anniversary of the franchise, things are ramping up. We already know about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which takes us back to the Kalos region (the setting of X and Y). It’s set for a 2025 release on both the original Switch and the upcoming "Switch 2."

But the real wild card? Pokémon Pokopia. Announced for March 5, 2026, it’s a life-simulation game where you play as a Ditto transformed into a human. It's basically Animal Crossing but with Pokémon.

Pokémon Games Released in Order (Main Series Quick View)

What You Should Actually Play Next

If you’re a completionist, going through the pokemon games released in order is a fun way to see the evolution of the mechanics. However, most people just want a good game.

If you want the classic experience with modern bells and whistles, HeartGold is still peak Pokémon. If you want something that feels like the future of the series, Legends: Arceus is the way to go. Its movement and catching mechanics are way more fluid than the traditional turn-based entries.

For those looking forward, keep an eye on February 2026. Pokémon Day is always a massive event, and with the 30th anniversary landing then, leaks suggest we might see the first glimpse of Generation 10 (rumored to be titled Wind and Waves).

Next Steps for Players:

• Check your local retro stores for DS copies of Platinum or Black/White; prices are skyrocketing as collectors realize these are the "peak" of 2D Pokémon.
• If you're on Switch, finish the Scarlet/Violet epilogue ("Mochi Mayhem") before Legends: Z-A drops in 2025, as there are some subtle lore hints about the nature of Area Zero that might carry over.
• Wait for the official Switch 2 reveal before buying Legends: Z-A—Nintendo has already hinted at performance upgrades for those playing on the newer hardware.